Shortage Area Designations

Shortage Area Designations

The Primary Care Office evaluates shortage area designations to ensure underserved communities in Montana may participate in federal and state programs targeting their unique needs. The shortage designations include Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) and Medically Underserved Areas/Populations (MUA/P). HRSA develops shortage designation criteria used to decide whether or not a geographic area, population group or facility is a HPSA or MUA/MUP. HPSAs may have shortages of primary medical care, dental or mental health providers and may be urban or rural areas, population groups or medical or other public facilities. For more information please visit HRSA Shortage Designation, and for a list of frequently asked questions please visit FAQ.